Jonathan Laetsch
Culture Connoisseur
Culture Connoisseur
geraldbrimacombe.com Spring time is the best time of the year to explore all aspects the district has to offer. With the blistering cold from Winter finally becoming a memory of the past and the oppressing humidity of summer still far away, the temperatures of Spring are ideal for walking and discovering the district by foot. From Great Falls to the National Mall, Georgetown to Annapolis, the locations to visit are stunning and the activities to pursue abundant. Whether you are looking for a calm weekend getaway or an adrenaline-rushing pastime, the district has it all. Here are my personal favorites, and in my eyes, the must-dos in the area come Spring time:
National Mall
Private Image The National Mall is the perfect place to visit in the springtime. Bustling with activity, the Mall offers its visitors National Landmarks of this country’s rich history as well as an expansive lawn site for picnicking and outdoor activities. The National Monument, The Jefferson Memorial, The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial are just a few of many astounding sites to visit. These sites offer each visitor with unique photo opportunities to share with friends and family at home. To explore the full list of the Monuments and access more information click here.
National Cherry Blossom Festival
nationalcherryblossomfestival.org Washington DC also welcomes Spring each year with the blossoming of the beautiful Cherry Blossom Trees near the Capital’s Tidal Basin. The Cherry Blossom festival in honor of this blooming showcases the 3,000 Cherry Blossom trees received by the United States as a gift from the city of Tokyo in 1912. A three-week long event, the annual celebration held to recognize the lasting friendship between the United States and Japan, features more than 200 international cultural performances and over 90 special events around the city. From live music and exhibits to cuisine and sports, the Cherry Blossom Festival is something for the whole family to enjoy! To access more information about the festivities around the capital click here
Georgetown
washington.org As one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in and around the district, Georgetown is the place to be all year around and is especially appealing during the Spring. As the sun comes out the cities European Flair, with its small houses and narrow streets, high-end boutiques and small cafés comes to life. During the Spring Time, Georgetown provides its visitors with plentiful chances to stay active, relax and explore the Nation’s capital. A walk along the C&O Canal that runs through the city is just as appealing as strolling along the Georgetown Waterfront and enjoying spectacular views of the Potomac in glistering sunlight. Taking to the water is another unique chance to explore the Capital from a different viewpoint. Along Georgetown’s Waterfront Sports Outfitters give outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to rent Kayaks and Paddleboards to venture the Potomac River. They offer everything from day trips to locations as far as Virginia to the freedom of crossing the river to explore the untouched Theodore Roosevelt Island. If you are afraid of getting wet but still want to travel the river I suggest you board a Capital River Cruise which consists of a 45 minute historical narrative sightseeing tour departing from the Washington Harbor. If you want to find out more about Georgetown and other activities to pursue there click here.
Great Falls National Park
Private Image While it goes without question that the Downtown area of the Nation’s Capital is an attractive destination in the Spring time it is also important to recognize the Capital’s multitude of National Parks, suited well for Spring retreats. Connecting both Virginia and Maryland the 800 acres(!) of the The Great Falls National Park portray the utmost breathtaking display of nature in the DMV and is a haven for outdoor aficionados. Every year during springtime the Park proves a popular destination for tourists and locals alike who favor the Park for its proximity to the city and ample outdoor activities. Whether it is taking the pathway over the C&O Canal with the thundering force of the Potomac River only feet beneath you, hiking the incredibly popular Billy Goat trail, a 4.7 mile path between the C&O Canal and the Potomac River, or just visiting one of Great Falls’ many observational Platforms for a Picnic, The Great Falls National Park will set you intone with nature and offers spectacular views no matter what path you pursue. For more information about The Great Falls National Park and it’s activities click here.
Bing Maps
Annapolis
www.schoonerwoodwind.com The State of Maryland harbors many gems, the State Capitol of Annapolis being one of them. Other than Georgetown, this city hosts a Colonial flare and is home to more 18th Century buildings than any other city in America. Its streets foster a cozy atmosphere and especially in the Spring Time its restaurants are packed. Though strolling Annapolis’ historic streets is a lovely pastime, most of the cities bustle occurs near the water. Walking the Annapolis City Dock provides its visitors with a spectacular view of the citiy’s harbor spotted with expensive Yachts and the Severen River beyond. After taking in all the city’s new impressions you can enjoy a nice meal near the waterfront in one of Annapolis’ many restaurants. Crab is a tradition in these parts of the country and served nearly everywhere along the waterfront. Local favorites such as “Mike’s Restaurant and Crab House”, “Cantler’s Riverside Inn”, “Skipper’s Pier”, and others help contribute to the 3.9 million crabs that are cracked here each year. If you do not want to be confined to land on your city exploration you can take to the water by a Sail Boat Cruise. Taking the boat allows you the freedom of exploring the Chesapeake Bay from as little as two hours to multiple days. In the end of the day whether you want to stay along the Waterfront and listen to the music of artists and street performers while exploring new horizons or if you want to explore life by water, one thing remains: Unforgettable Memories. For more information and history of this wonderful port city click here.
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